The 2025 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Greenvale coach Darren Bewick who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
2024: 5th (9W, 9L, 97.59%)
Coach: Darren Bewick
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Probably the biggest focus this pre-season has been to increase our efficiency and scoring going inside 50.
"We've been pleased with how we have improved defensively, but like all teams we would like to increase our scoring. So, looking at our method and our combinations can hopefully improve our offence and mix of goal kickers."
LIST SHAPE
"Obviously recruiting is difficult and getting tougher, but we have really been specific over the last couple of years, and focused on our needs and players that will improve our list.
"Adding Jack Bytel straight out of AFL to our list has been great for the club, so we're hoping that we will see him a few times when VFL commitments allow. We've also added a few boys out of the Calder Cannons who have shown a bit and round out our list."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"We're expecting continued improvement from our list. We have gotten games into a number of young players over the past couple of years, and these boys now with 20 to 30 games under their belt will be the ones who determine our success."
2025 OUTLOOK
"Our goal is to continue our development and get ourselves in a position to contend for a premiership. Winning a final last year has given some belief to the group, but we understand taking that next step is the biggest one and it's a challenge we look forward to."
ON THE RECORD WITH DARREN BEWICK
Who is the unsung hero at the club?
Ken Hutchinson.
MVP of the gym?
Kurtis Sanajko always has his shirt off, so that's a giveaway!
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Ben Speight.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
Hayden Fraser has a bit of speed for a young fella.
Who’s Mr. Reliable week in and week out?
Jonny Keratianos.
Who’s one opposition player you’d love on your side?
I'm very happy with the players I have at the moment.
What match are you most looking forward to in 2025 and why?
Always look forward to Round 1 regardless of who you play.
Flag tip outside of Greenvale?
Too tough!
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Will Martyn (Wilston Grange AFC), Patrick Baccari (Wallan), Kieran Gallagher (Westmeadows), Zain Yamak (Hillside), Reuben Rode (Wallan), Jack Bytel (Collingwood), Riley Leedham (Gisborne), Brodie Tohara (Maffra), Damian Gasio (Deer Park), James Varrasso (Bulleen Templestowe JFC).
Out: Joseph Vaccaro (Glenroy), Jonathan Roccuzzo (Glenroy), Ben Bath (North Heidelberg), Richard Ilsley (Albanvale), Dylan Fsadni (Albanvale), Nick Stulhdreier (South Fremantle), Lucas Repic (Roxburgh Park), Judd Brewster (Albion), Josef Fanelli (Barwon Heads), Thomas Chandler (Old Scotch), Peter Marinkovic (Keilor), Mark Merlino (Northern Saints), Adem Samsa (Carrum Patterson), Baker Smith (Glenorchy), Raymond Murphy (Corowa Rutherglen).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
The Jets returned to finals action in 2024 and enjoyed a big win against Aberfeldie in the elimination final. As has been the case in recent years, Greenvale has a strong cohort of VFL-aligned talent. If those players are able to feature throughout the season and qualify for post-season action, the best Jets 22 will be formidable despite some movement in and out. It won't be easy for the finals incumbents with Deer Park and Airport West likely to be pushing, but you'd think Greenvale will be well in the mix come September.
Ladder Prediction: Finals fight.
